Denise Van Outen proved popular on EastEnders – but will she be back? (Picture: BBC)

EastEnders boss Dominic Treadwell-Collins has sparked speculation over the future of current characters by hinting at plans to sign more big names up to the soap.

Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday Treadwell-Collins revealed that major stars were now keen to join the show in the wake of Danny Dyer and Timothy West proving hugely popular with viewers.

‘We are now in a position where a lot of famous names want to come on the show,’ he revealed. ‘A couple of years ago it was probably the other way round.’

However he added a note of caution, saying: ‘Unfortunately the BBC has a limited budget so I need to watch who I bring in – but there will be quite a bit of movement over the next few months.

‘Some people will be coming and some will be going.’

Timothy West is among other big names who have appeared on the show in recent months (Picture: BBC)

Other well-known faces who have made their mark in recent months including Denise Van Outen and Richard Blackwood, while Bonnie Langford is also due to make her debut in the next few weeks as Kush’s mum Carmel Kazemi.

Denise has gone down really well with fans,’ Treadwell-Collins insisted.

‘People will be surprised by Bonnie Langford too. You shouldn’t underestimate how great she is. Both Denise and Bonnie could be here to stay.’

A BBC spokesman, meanwhile, told the Mirror there were ‘no current plans’ for Denise to return to Walford, adding: ‘nor are any of the cast facing the axe in order for other celebrities to appear.’